A little more than an hour later they rode at anchor.
It was not, however, until the 30th of August that the upper classmen were disembarked.
August 31 was devoted to manifold duties, including the hurried packing of light baggage, for now the members of the three upper classes were to enjoy a month's leave of absence before the beginning of the academic year on October 1.
Then, like a whirlwind mob, and clad in their "cit." clothes, the upper class men got away on that hurried, frenzied leave.
There was no leave, however, for the new midshipmen.
In lieu of leave, through the month of September, the new fourth class men spent the time, each week-day, from ten o'clock until noon, at the "Dago Department," as the Department of Modern Languages is termed.
Here they made their start in French.
"When Trotter comes back," muttered Dan, "if he asks me whether I can talk French, I'll tell him that I've tried, and now I know I can't." It was the last night before the upper classmen were due back from their leave.
Dave and Dan were in their room, poring hard over French, when a light tap sounded on the door.
Right on top of the tap Midshipman Farley, fourth class, entered on tiptoe, closing the door behind him.
This accomplished, Farley dropped his air of stealth, strolling over to the study desk.
"There's a nice little place in town--you know, Purdy's," began Farley significantly.
"I've heard of it as an eating place," responded Darrin.
"It's more than that," returned Farley, smacking his lips.

"It's an ideal place for a banquet." "I accept your word for it," smiled Dave.
"I don't ask you to, Darrin," grinned Farley.

"Like any honest man I'm prepared to prove all I say.

Purdy has received--by underground telegraph--orders to prepare a swell feast for eight.
It's to be ready at eleven tonight.

We had the eight all made up, but two fellows have flunked cold.